Reach out to help others and yourself
IT WAS yet another gig for your columnist: a day in Bristol, with the Avon branch of the National Federation of Women’s Institutes. An hour’s talk about my career and this column (which is always so interesting — because, after all, it’s about
you) was followed by their celebratory yearly lunch. It was thoroughly enjoyable.
About 170 women, all engaged with life ( otherwise they wouldn’t have joined), made me feel uplifted. Such events also give me the chance to meet many appreciative Mail readers, which is jolly.
And I was reminded of what a brilliant organisation the WI is. Founded in 1915 to encourage women to produce food during World War I, it has a proud campaigning history — from lobbying for more state-aided housing (1918), to maternal health and less plastic … you name it.
‘Jam and Jerusalem’ used to be the ‘brand’ — and there’s nothing wrong with either. But now the WI brings so many activities and education to its members — and the buzz in that room testified to sisterhood.
Would you think of looking for a local WI ( thewi.org.uk) if you were lonely? Or — both sexes — would you think of seeking out talks at the University of the Third Age ( u3a.org.uk)? Such pursuits have nothing to do with finding romance (which is the goal of many people, often doomed to disappointment) but with becoming involved with the world.
You may not be a believer, for example, yet if you check out activities run by local churches you might meet new friends. And if you don’t find soulmates (of either sex) you’ll be learning and making yourself a more rounded, engaged personality.
And what about volunteering? I just spent an evening compering a quiz for Bath’s homeless charity Julian House — and met so many lovely people gladly giving their time to make the fundraising event a success. Reaching out to others is what it’s about. And that way helping yourself, too.
Bel answers readers’ questions on emotional and relationship problems each week. Write to Bel Mooney, Daily Mail, 2 Derry Street, london W8 5TT, or email bel.mooney@dailymail.co.uk. Names are changed to protect identities. Bel reads all letters but regrets she cannot enter into personal correspondence.